Diagram showing a climbing hazard causing a Queensland pool barrier to become non-compliant.

Non-Compliant Pool Barrier and Climbing Hazard

The area around a pool barrier must remain free from features that could assist a young child to climb over the fence. Even where the barrier itself appears to have sufficient height, a nearby step, ledge, structure, garden feature or other climbable object can compromise the required non-climbable zone.
Non-compliant Queensland pool barrier example showing how surrounding conditions can affect a 1200mm fence.

Non-Compliant 1200mm Pool Barrier Example

A pool fence can measure approximately 1200mm in isolation but still be non-compliant if surrounding conditions reduce its effective height or create a climbing opportunity. Raised surfaces, nearby climbable objects or an incorrectly maintained non-climbable zone can allow a child to gain additional height and potentially access the pool area.
Illustration explaining how the effective 1200mm height of a Queensland pool barrier is assessed.

Maintaining the Effective 1200mm Barrier Height

The minimum 1200mm requirement refers to the effective height of the barrier, not simply the manufactured height of the fence panel. Nearby structures, changes in surface level, steps, landscaping or other features may provide an elevated standing or climbing point and reduce the protection provided by the barrier.
Diagram showing the 300mm clear area required immediately inside a Queensland pool barrier.

Clear Area Inside a 1200mm Pool Barrier

Pool barriers under 1800mm require consideration of the area immediately inside the fence as well as the non-climbable zone outside it. Climbable objects should not be positioned where they can reduce the effectiveness of the barrier or allow a child to reach or climb over it.
Diagram showing how ground levels can affect the required 1200mm pool barrier height.

Ground Levels and 1200mm Pool Barrier Height

Changes in ground level can affect the effective height of a pool barrier. Although a fence may originally have been installed at 1200mm or higher, raised garden beds, landscaping, paving or accumulated soil can create a higher standing surface and reduce the effective barrier height.
Pool safety diagram showing climbable objects and required clear zones around a 1200mm pool barrier.

Climbable Objects Near a 1200mm Pool Barrier

A compliant pool barrier can become unsafe when climbable objects are positioned too close to it. Outdoor furniture, pot plants, trees, garden features, taps, equipment and other objects may provide a child with a foothold or climbing point.
Queensland pool barrier diagram showing a 1200mm fence and 900mm non-climbable zone.

1200mm Pool Barrier and the Non-Climbable Zone

For a pool barrier less than 1800mm high, the required non-climbable zone is generally located on the outside of the barrier — the side facing away from the pool. A continuous 900mm non-climbable zone helps prevent young children from using nearby objects, projections or parts of the barrier as footholds or handholds to climb over it.
Diagram showing the minimum 1200mm pool barrier height requirement in Queensland.

Measuring the Minimum 1200mm Pool Barrier Height

A pool barrier must maintain a minimum effective height of 1200mm from the finished ground level to the top of the barrier.